The White-naped Honeyeater is a small honeyeater with a short, slender bill. It is olive-green above, with a black cap, a white band across the back of the neck which does not reach the eye, and a bright orange-red crescent above the eye. The flanks and sides of the breast are washed grey brown and the underparts are white. It can be seen in large flocks when migrating, often with other honeyeaters, and in smaller groups when feeding.